Getting your catch basins inspected and cleaned regularly, is one of the most important stormwater source control measures that businesses and municipalities can take. With snow melt happening now and warmer weather on the rise, it is even more crucial to be aware of these other materials, such as sand from plows, trash and other debris, that could clog up your catch basins.
A catch basin is typically located in lower spots of parking lots, in locations along curbs and storm drains where the storm drain pipes combine flow. Often located directly below the storm drain, the catch basin collects the surface runoff and most catch basins even have storage at the bottom of the basin that never drains to an outflow pipe. This is because the storage area is intended to trap the sediment and other particles from stormwater, preventing clogging in the downstream pipes. These contents cannot be flushed in the the catch basins outflow pipe, so regular inspection and removal of this will ensure unnecessary clogging or other surprises arise.
Why clean catch basins if stormwater keeps coming?
There may not be much to worry about immediately, but as we explained above, if too much sediment or debris is captured in the catch basin, it will back up and flooding will occur. We often see two approaches to preventative care and maintenance of the catch basins we service.
- Partner with an expert service provider on inspections twice a year and perform cleanings as necessary
- Address problems as they arise and hire an expert service provider
While there are direct costs associated with both of these approaches, an analysis should be performed to understand what types of indirect factors may occur.
In the first option, with inspections expected twice a year, you will see fees associated with the inspection itself, as well as cleaning and disposal. Since this will be performed twice a year, you will find FEWER financial surprises, IMPROVED readiness for larger weather events which New England is prone to, and an AVOIDANCE of issues during the day-to-day activities at your location. What is the bottom line? INCREASED customer satisfaction and overall financial savings.
Although the second option is an as-needed basis, there are direct costs that vary on the severity and frequency of each specific problem. We also have seen a lot of UNEXPECTED costs, potentially DESTRUCTIVE flooding, DISRUPTION of core business activity, and DISSATISFIED customers or residents when they cannot access areas due to flooding. It may be easier to address problems as they occur but a pro-active approach is our expert recommendation.
Ideal Times to Inspect Catch Basins
As you start scheduling your routine of two inspections a year, we recommend the following times for New England:
- Autumn: when the leaves have fallen off the trees
- Spring: when the snow has melted and moved the road treatment of sand or salt
Popular Catch Basin Cleaning Strategies
- Hydro-Jetting
- Hydro-Excavation
- High Power Vacuum Truck
- Root Cutting
Interested in learning more about Catch Basin Strategies? Click HERE to learn more or SCHEDULE NOW to talk with one of our Eastern Pipe Services representatives.
